Charouz Racing System says Formula 2’s decision to introduce a new package for the 2018 campaign was influential in its choice to enter the championship next year.
Formula 2 announced on Thursday that Charouz, along with Carlin and Fortec, will join the feeder series in 2018, with current entrants Rapax and Russian Time set to depart.
Charouz will enter Formula 2 with extensive experience of other categories, most notably World Series Formula V8 3.5, in which it competes under the Lotus guise, fielding current title leader Pietro Fittipaldi.
Formula 2, meanwhile, will introduce a new car for next season, which features a V6 turbocharged engine, revised aerodynamics and the ‘halo’ head protection device.
Charouz Team Manager Bob VavÅ™ík explained that the championship's decision to replace the seven-year old GP2/11 with the new package was crucial in the Czech team joining the division.
“This is an ideal time to be joining the Formula 2 category,” explained VavÅ™ík.
“Because all of the teams will be using a new turbocharged engine and a new chassis and aero package.
“Everyone will be working from the same point and that means a team like ours will not be at a big disadvantage – that’s an attractive proposition.”
Added Team Founder Antonín Charouz: “It’s a fresh challenge for the team and an opportunity to apply all we have learned over many years of success in other categories.
“Our aim in everything we do is the same – to win. And everybody in the team will be focused on that goal when we start this exciting new chapter.”
Charouz added that its official team name, and 2018 driver line-up, will be announced “in due course”.
